I firmly believe Finn deserved to be a Jedi in Star Wars-and Anakin would agree

Finn in The Force Awakens (image via Disney+)
Finn in The Force Awakens (image via Disney+)

Finn's story in the Star Wars sequel trilogy is one of the most intriguing — and one of the most underused. A stormtrooper who breaks free from the First Order and fights for the Resistance? That’s a solid origin story. Add in his revealed Force sensitivity and a connection to Rey that’s more than just friendship, and the signs are all there: Finn had the potential to be a Jedi.

The films never fully gave him that arc, but the clues are clear, especially in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Director J.J. Abrams even confirmed Finn’s big secret was that he was Force-sensitive. He senses things others can’t, connects to people without speaking, and shows signs that he’s meant for more.

And if Anakin Skywalker were watching all this unfold? He would’ve seen a reflection of himself in Finn. Someone who came from outside the Jedi Order. Someone who made mistakes but had good in him. Someone who wanted to fight for others, even when he didn’t have to.

Now let’s break it down — with facts, not feelings.


Finn’s Force sensitivity: Not just a fan theory!

Let’s clear up a common myth. Finn being Force-sensitive isn’t speculation. It’s confirmed canon.

In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Finn keeps “sensing” things. He knows when Rey’s in danger. He feels a pull toward certain locations. He even tells Jannah to “trust the Force” during battle. These aren’t coincidences — they’re hallmarks of Force sensitivity.

J.J. Abrams later stated that Finn’s “secret” — the one he never tells Rey — is that he feels the Force. Daisy Ridley (Rey) also confirmed in interviews that this was the case. So yes, Finn has the Force. He just wasn’t given the training or the lightsaber (permanently, at least).

In earlier films, he also wields a lightsaber in Star Wars: The Force Awakens — something few non-Force-users do with any skill. He holds his own against Kylo Ren for a few moments. Not bad for a guy with no training.


From Stormtrooper to Resistance fighter: Finn’s path

Finn’s journey starts in the worst possible place — the First Order. As FN-2187, he’s raised to follow orders, suppress emotions, and kill without question. But in his very first mission, something inside him rebels. He refuses to kill, and that decision changes his life.

He escapes the First Order. Saves Poe Dameron. Later, he joins the Resistance and chooses to fight, not because someone told him to, but because he wants to. That’s a huge shift from where he began.

Throughout the trilogy, Finn risks his life over and over. On Starkiller Base, on Crait, on Exegol — he’s always running toward danger, not away from it. He chooses people over power. That mindset aligns with Jedi teachings.

In other words, his choices are already Jedi-like. He just never got the chance to train.


So, why did Finn deserve to be a Jedi?

Let’s go point by point. Here’s why Finn should’ve joined the Jedi ranks:

1. He’s Force-sensitive.

The Jedi Order is built around training those who are connected to the Force. Finn checks that box.

2. He’s courageous and selfless.

Finn risks his life without needing the spotlight. He’s not in it for glory or power.

3. He shows compassion.

He helps others, even enemies, like when he bonds with Jannah and the other ex-stormtroopers. The Jedi valued compassion — it was one of their core beliefs.

4. He’s proof that the Force can call anyone.

Finn wasn’t born into the Jedi path. But neither was Anakin. Both came from the “wrong” backgrounds. Both had raw potential. Finn’s story would’ve made the Jedi legacy more inclusive and dynamic.


So why didn’t the Star Wars films make him a Jedi?

There’s no one answer, but here’s what we know.

The sequel trilogy focused heavily on Rey’s arc. She was the new face of the Jedi, the central Force user, and the key to defeating Palpatine. Giving Finn a full Jedi storyline might’ve pulled focus away from her.

There were also production shifts. Star Wars: The Last Jedi changed the trajectory that The Force Awakens set up. Then Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker tried to pull it back. That left Finn’s development in limbo.

Even actor John Boyega has spoken about it. He’s said in interviews that he felt Finn’s story was “pushed aside” in later films, despite the early setup. Many fans agree.

Still, The Rise of Skywalker ends with Rey starting something new. She’s rebuilding the Jedi Order — and Finn is right there, by her side.


Would Anakin Skywalker approve?

Let’s get into this.

Anakin Skywalker’s path to becoming a Jedi wasn’t clean-cut. He was older than most Jedi recruits. He had emotional attachments. He came from slavery on Tatooine. But the Jedi brought him in because of his strength in the Force and his desire to do good.

Finn’s path is similar. He wasn’t “raised” for the Jedi. He had trauma. He had fears. But he also had the Force — and chose to help others even when it meant risking his life.

Anakin valued freedom. He hated systems that controlled people. He believed in redemption — even for himself. Finn’s entire story is about redemption and self-determination.

It’s safe to say: if Anakin had seen Finn standing up to the First Order, protecting Rey, and trusting the Force without even understanding it, he would’ve nodded in approval.


What’s next for Finn?

Here’s the good news: his Jedi journey might still happen.

Lucasfilm has confirmed a new Star Wars movie featuring Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order. It takes place 15 years after Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. If that timeline holds, Finn would be in his prime — and likely Rey’s first student.

Actor John Boyega has also hinted he’s open to returning, especially if the story is right. Fans want it. The setup is there.

So while the Star Wars films didn’t show Finn becoming a Jedi, they definitely planted the seeds. It’s up to future stories to help them grow.


Final word?

Finn deserved to be a Jedi. The Force was with him. He made the right choices. And even though the Star Wars films didn’t fully explore that path, the foundation was there.

Anakin would’ve seen himself in Finn — and probably told him, "You don’t need the Council’s permission to do what’s right."

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Edited by Sohini Biswas